Nursing Elites

1. A client who underwent lobectomy 24 hours ago has not had any chest tube drainage for the past hour. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Contacts the physician
• B. Checks for kinks in the drainage system
• C. Checks the client’s blood pressure and heart rate
• D. Connects a new drainage system to the client’s chest tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a chest tube is not draining, the nurse's initial action should be to check for kinks or clots in the chest drainage system. This step helps to ensure the patency of the system and allows for proper drainage. Checking the client's blood pressure and heart rate is important but not the priority when addressing a lack of chest tube drainage. Contacting the physician is warranted if signs of respiratory distress or mediastinal shift are observed after ruling out kinks or clots. Connecting a new drainage system is done when the fluid chamber is full, following a specific procedure to maintain a closed system and prevent complications.

2. Laboratory findings indicate that a client's serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
• B. Prepare to administer a glucose-insulin-potassium replacement.
• C. Change the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement.
• D. Instruct the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low, indicating severe hypokalemia. The immediate action the nurse should take is to inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement. Option B, preparing to administer glucose-insulin-potassium replacement, is not the first-line intervention; it may be considered in specific situations but requires a healthcare provider's prescription. Option C, changing the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement, is not the priority when managing critically low potassium levels. Option D, instructing the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods, is not appropriate in this acute situation where immediate intervention is needed to address the dangerously low potassium level.

3. Which of the following is a common cause of chronic liver disease?

• A. Alcohol abuse.
• B. Hepatitis C infection.
• C. Obesity.
• D. Smoking.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hepatitis C infection is a common cause of chronic liver disease due to its long-term effects on the liver. Hepatitis C can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Alcohol abuse can also cause liver damage, but hepatitis C infection is specifically known for its chronic impact on liver health. Obesity and smoking, while detrimental to overall health, are not typically direct causes of chronic liver disease like hepatitis C infection.

4. A client expresses difficulty voiding in public places. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Offer to turn on the faucet in the bathroom to help stimulate urination.
• B. Suggest a prescription for a diuretic to increase urine output.
• C. Propose moving to a room with a private bathroom to enhance comfort.
• D. Close the curtain to provide maximum privacy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize the client's privacy when addressing issues related to voiding discomfort in public places. Closing the curtain in the current room would offer immediate privacy and support the client's needs. Turning on the faucet is not an evidence-based intervention for voiding difficulties. Prescribing a diuretic is not appropriate without further assessment. While moving to a room with a private bathroom might be ideal, it may not be immediately feasible, making ensuring privacy in the current setting the most appropriate action.

5. The nurse assesses a client with advanced cirrhosis of the liver for signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Which finding would the nurse consider an indication of progressive hepatic encephalopathy?

• A. An increase in abdominal girth.
• B. Hypertension and a bounding pulse.
• C. Decreased bowel sounds.
• D. Difficulty in handwriting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Difficulty in handwriting is a common early sign of hepatic encephalopathy. Changes in handwriting can indicate progression or reversal of hepatic encephalopathy leading to coma. Choice (A) is a sign of ascites, not hepatic encephalopathy. Hypertension and a bounding pulse (Choice B) are not typically associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Decreased bowel sounds (Choice C) do not directly indicate an increase in serum ammonia level, which is the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy.

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